6 Things I Have On-Hand To Survive The Darker and Colder Months
As the days grow shorter and temperatures start to plummet, I find myself bracing for what I affectionately dub "the bad months." Winter has never been my season—it brings cold weather, dreary skies, and that dreaded time change that disrupts my routine. Despite my role as a dietitian, and someone who thrives on taking steps to "feel good" and support my health (both physical and mental), the oncoming frostiness requires some extra items to keep spirits high and my body just as healthy as it is during my "happy" months.
With that in mind, I've developed a little survival kit of must-have items, ready to greet the frost with a smile, and I'm excited to share my top six essentials with you as we brace for the chilly embrace.
1. SAD Lamp
A SAD lamp, or Seasonal Affective Disorder lamp, can be a game-changer for those who loathe winter. The reduction in natural sunlight during the colder months can disrupt your circadian rhythm, leading to feelings of lethargy and melancholy. SAD lamps mimic natural daylight, providing a much-needed dose of brightness to help regulate your body's internal clock and boost serotonin levels. Incorporating a daily regimen with a SAD lamp has been shown to alleviate symptoms of seasonal depression, enhance mood, improve focus, and increase energy levels. This makes it an essential tool for keeping my spirits high and maintaining my mental well-being throughout the gloomy winter months.
2. Vitamin D Supplements
Vitamin D supplements are a crucial addition to your winter survival kit, especially if you're someone who dreads the season. During the colder months, we often experience limited exposure to sunlight, which is the primary source of vitamin D for our bodies. This deficiency can lead to feelings of fatigue, decreased immune function, and even the winter blues. By supplementing with vitamin D, you help maintain optimal levels in your body, supporting bone health, immune response, and mood regulation. Taking vitamin D supplements can compensate for the lack of sun exposure, thus playing a vital role in keeping you healthy and uplifted as you navigate through the dreary winter days.
3. Self Tanner
A self-tanner can be an unexpected yet delightful addition to your winter essentials if the season tends to dampen your spirits. As the days grow shorter and the sun retreats, our skin often loses its sun-kissed glow, which can contribute to the overall gloominess of winter. Self-tanner provides an easy and safe way to maintain a tanner-looking complexion sans a tanning bed or the real sun. This simple addition serves as a mental pick-me-up. My fav is this one.
4. Tulsi and Ashwagandha Teas
Incorporating herbal teas like tulsi and ashwagandha into my winter routine. Tulsi, often referred to as holy basil, has been revered for centuries for its adaptogenic properties, helping the body manage stress and promote a sense of calmness. During the winter, when stress levels can increase due to reduced sunlight and more time spent indoors, tulsi tea may provide natural support for mood regulation and stress resilience.
Similarly, ashwagandha tea offers numerous advantages, especially in terms of energy support and combating symptoms of winter fatigue. Known for its ability to enhance mental clarity and support overall well-being, ashwagandha acts as a powerful adaptogen that helps the body adapt to stress and reduce anxiety. Drinking this warming, earthy tea may aid in maintaining mental focus and emotional balance, which are crucial during the winter months. Together, tulsi and ashwagandha teas offer a soothing, natural approach to navigating winter's challenges, providing both comfort and physical support to improve your overall wintertime wellness. My go-to is this one. I give it a 6/10 in taste (it’s earthy) but it makes me feel like my fuse is much longer when I drink it.
5. Frozen Berries
Frozen berries can be a delightful addition to your winter survival toolkit, particularly if you find yourself longing for the vibrancy of sunnier seasons. Packed with essential vitamins, antioxidants, and nutrients, these colorful fruits offer a taste of summer that can invigorate your palate and boost your nutrition during the colder months. While fresh berries can be scarce or expensive in winter, their frozen counterparts are readily available year-round, making them a convenient option for maintaining a healthy diet. The process of freezing berries locks in their nutrients at peak ripeness, ensuring you receive a dose of vital goodness that supports immune function—a crucial advantage during the winter when colds and flu are more prevalent. Incorporating frozen berries into smoothies, oatmeal, or yogurt can add a burst of flavor and color to your meals, lifting your mood and providing a mental respite from the monotony of winter.
6. Sunscreen in Winter
Many people mistakenly believe that sunscreen is only necessary during the summer months, but it's actually just as important to wear sunscreen in the winter, even when the weather is overcast or the skies are cloudy. Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can still penetrate through clouds and reflect off surfaces like snow, increasing exposure to harmful radiation and the risk of skin damage. Despite the colder temperatures, these UV rays are capable of causing sunburn, premature aging, and even skin cancer. Additionally, winter activities like skiing or snowboarding at higher altitudes can increase UV exposure, as the atmosphere is thinner and provides less natural protection from UV rays. By incorporating sunscreen into your daily winter skincare routine, you can shield your skin from these risks and maintain skin health all year round.